Cruise Ship Crews Drive Cozumel’s Small Business Boom

Cozumel, an island famed for its stunning beaches and tourist hotspots, has seen a significant economic uplift from an unexpected source – cruise ship crews. Unlike typical tourists who frequent beach clubs and organized excursions, these workers are drawn to more affordable, traditional options during their off-duty hours, providing a boost to local small businesses.

A case in point is the cruise ship "Icon of the Seas". While 90% of its over 4,800 passengers opt for leisure activities outside the city center, 60% of its 2,533-strong crew choose to patronize local markets and small eateries. These crew members not only purchase food, but also buy goods and utilize services such as taxis, creating substantial economic benefits for the area.

The Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo) anticipates the arrival of 19 cruise ships between September 16 and 22, each carrying crews ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 individuals. This steady influx of visitors has prompted local businesses to tailor their offerings, with some even opening restaurants specializing in Asian cuisine to cater to the high demand from Filipino crew members.

Josh Mayoral, a crew member of the "Icon of the Seas", noted that crew members typically spend between 1,000 and 1,500 pesos per visit, finding Cozumel more affordable than other destinations such as Nassau. This spending pattern has allowed local businesses to generate up to 2.27 million pesos per cruise ship visit, underlining the economic significance of these crew members to the island.

The positive influence of these workers has encouraged more businesses to adapt their products and services to cater to this expanding market, delivering a direct boost to the local economy.